The UAE took first innings lead points on the opening day against Namibia on Sunday (Sept 22) in Dubai and moved above Canada in the ICC Intercontinental Cup standings. Slow-left armer Ahmed Raza took seven for 37 from 20.4 overs as Namibia stumbled to 90 all out, after winning the toss and deciding to bat. Shaiman Anwar hit 81 and Khurram Khan 49 as UAE ended this opening day on 161 for five wickets. The six points gained for first innings lead take the UAE to 46 points, three more than Canada who closed the 2011-2013 ICC Intercontinental Cup campaign on 43 points. Canada drops to sixth place in the standings.
Canada’s final placing will depend on whether Kenya pick up any points in the last round-robin of the current competition against Afghanistan. A match scheduled from October 6th thru 9th. Kenya (42 points) is one point behind Canada, so points for a first innings lead or tie, or an outright win would take the Kenyans ahead of Canada, as would any points due to significant loss of playing hours. Afghanistan sits assured of second place on 84 points, helped by four outright wins. Regardless of the outcome against Kenya, Afghanistan will meet Ireland (116 points, 5 outright wins) in the Final of the 2011-2013 “I-Cup” tournament in December. (EN)